This is a funder members event only.
When
Thursday 13 June 2024
1pm - 2.00pm AEST (ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC)
12:30pm – 1:30pm ACST (NT, SA)
11am – 12pm AWST (WA)
Location
Online event - Zoom link will be provided after nearer the meeting date.
Aims
1. Articulate at a practical level how philanthropy and First Nations communities and organisations can unbalance the power dynamics.
2. Provide a safe and open discussion to flesh out the factors that either empower or impede the path towards trust-building and transparent engagement.
Overview
This session will feature the perspectives of both the First Nations community and the funder. Rachel Kerry - CEO of CAGES Foundation, will talk about their journey as a non-First Nations organisation taking steps to alter the power dynamics to inform their overall organisation direction and grant making decisions.
We will hear from Sharmay Brierley - Lead Consultant at Kowa Collaboration as a First Nations community partner of Cages Foundation on the experience of entering a trust-based relationship. We would also like to highlight their viewpoint on what shifting power looks like in practice.
Note:
The First Nations Funders Network has a Terms of Reference (ToR), where network membership commitment is outlined. Further details are discussed in the ToR FAQs.
Funders members have time to consider and review the ToR until 24 October 2024 before opting in and joining the First Nations Funders Network.
If you have any questions before indicating your intent to commit to the First Nations Funders Network ToR, please contact programs@philanthropy.org.au.
Audience
This event is for Philanthropy Australia funder members only at New Gen, Active, Engaged, Impact or New Gen membership level. Life members and champions are welcome to join.
If you are not yet a member of Philanthropy Australia or want to find out more about the philanthropic work in this area, please reach out to programs@philanthropy.org.au.
Please note this is a funder-only event.
Speakers
Sharmay Brierley - Lead Consultant, Kowa Collaboration
Sharmay is a proud Yuin woman and project lead at Kowa with prior experience supporting First Nations peoples across human services sectors.
As a proud First Nations woman, and through lived experience, Sharmay has a strong understanding of the many challenges faced by First Nations peoples and other vulnerable cohorts, specifically individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Sharmay’s previous work has supported her abilities to develop meaningful relationships that are genuine and apply a client centred approach to provide supports, in turn, leading to an increased awareness of the complex barriers surrounding communities. She is passionate in supporting communities to break down systemic and generational barriers.
Rachel Kerry - Chief Executive Officer, CAGES Foundation
Rachel Kerry has over twenty years experience in philanthropy and corporate responsibility with a background in financial services including Perpetual Philanthropic Services and Westpac Foundation. Prior to that she worked in responsible travel driving community partnerships.
Rachel joined CAGES in 2011 focusing on strategy, measurement, partnerships and overall administration of the foundation. Rachel is currently facilitating a community-led evaluation framework for CAGES Foundation in partnership with Kowa Collaboration and is implementing a First Nations driven strategy process for the foundation.
Rachel was born and raised in Sydney on the land of the Bidgigal people. After much exploration, she now lives there with her husband and two teenage sons.
First Nations Funders Network Chair
Leah Armstrong – Regional Manager, Australia - International Funders for Indigenous Peoples
Leah, a Torres Strait Islander, is a senior professional with over 25 years’ business and not for profit experience. Throughout these years, Leah has led the establishment and growth of some of the premier national Indigenous economic organisations and currently Leah is leading First Australians Capital in innovating how Indigenous enterprises access capital and support. This includes an ambitious Indigenous-led and managed impact investment fund.
Leah currently serves on several Boards including a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy (Australia), Reserve Bank of Australia – Chairperson First Nations Advisory Group, Philanthropy Australia (PA) – member of the First Nations Governance Committee and Co-Chair of the First Nations Funders Network..
First Nations Funders Network Facilitator at Philanthropy Australia
Dylan Smith – Director of Engagement (WA), Philanthropy Australia
As the founder of the Fremantle Foundation, Dylan is a highly effective collaborator. He has formed strong relationships in the social impact sector with community philanthropy, private philanthropy, non-profit leaders, government officials and elected members.
Learn more about Philanthropy Australia membership
